Maybe you tried to get an aging parent to see an attorney to put an estate plan in place – at least a will. However, they never seemed to want to think about a time when they wouldn’t be around. Now that they’re gone, however, you have found more than one will in with...
Dedicated To Your Legal Needs
Probate
Florida snowbirds and ancillary probate: What to know
It’s so common for older people who spend most of their time in the northern states to have winter homes in Florida that they’re commonly called “snowbirds,” because they fly south when the seasons change. Unfortunately, this particular way of living does give rise to...
What does an estate executor do during probate?
The estate executor has an important role during the probate process. The first step of probate is simply to authenticate the will, and then the executor will be named. Many times, people include that they simply want a family member to be the estate executor, but not...
3 signs you may need to challenge the executor of an estate
The executor or administrator of an estate has a lot of responsibility. They need to file paperwork with probate courts, secure property left behind by the deceased and handle all of their obligations to others. Most of the time, an executor will do their duty...
What debts do you need to pay for an estate in Florida?
Serving as the executor for someone's estate probably means a lot of work for you. However, it will benefit your deceased loved one and all of the people listed as beneficiaries in their estate plan if you handle things properly. You can also expect the estate to...
Can my family or prior agreements override my will?
A will is a fundamental estate planning tool in Florida, but it may not be the only tool you need. State law, life insurance policies, trusts and other factors may mitigate the effectiveness of your will. Knowing what to address in your will and what may be...
What are the requirements for a personal representative?
Your personal representative will act on your behalf after your death to help with the finalization of your estate. If probate lasts for quite some time, this person will also have to manage your estate until the time of disbursement. According to the Florida Bar, you...
What happens when Floridians die without a will?
An individual’s will is a critical element of an estate plan. Alongside trusts, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and other estate planning documents, a will offers the decedent a chance to dictate how their estate gets divided among their heirs. Unfortunately,...
Can will beneficiaries challenge an executor?
Dealing with a deceased loved one’s estate can bring multiple challenges for those left behind. During that time, you don’t want any extra stressors to add to the difficulty of losing a beloved member of the family. To make the process easier, an executor can handle...
Can probate be bypassed?
You have likely heard estate planning experts in Santa Rosa Beach advise people to plan to avoid probate whenever possible. This is due to the fact that probating an estate can be a long, drawn-out process, requiring multiple hearings and resulting in inordinate legal...